PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN

A pink, bubble-gum bonbon of a tale spun of a likable, albeit self-centered, fourth-grader and her magical, self-obsessed, although sometimes-kind, unicorn.

On a perfectly ordinary day, young Phoebe accidentally hits a unicorn named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils while skipping rocks. Unicorns, vain by nature, cannot help but become engrossed with their own reflections, and when Phoebe’s rock hits Marigold, she frees the mystical creature from her Narcissus-like state and offers to grant Phoebe a wish. Phoebe then wishes for Marigold to be her best friend. From then on, the two are inseparable, embarking on one adventure after another. Phoebe is often tempestuous and prone to whimsy (what fourth-grader isn’t?), whereas Marigold is often the straight man (or unicorn, as it is), taking our human expressions literally and setting up a good deal of the comedic action. As seen in short vignettes, the pair make everyday events—like boring piano lessons or a skirmish with a mean girl—giggle-worthy by the addition of the egocentric unicorn. Clean lines, clearly delineated panels and sparse background detail keep readers focused on the characters, driving the story forward without distraction. Recommend this to fans of Jennifer and Matthew Holm’s Babymouse series and Frank Cammuso’s Salem Hyde.

A sweet, spun-sugar confection just right for unicorn fans. (Graphic fantasy. 7-11)